Rodeo Resort One Proposal for Aging Kansas Complex

October 26, 2009 by Justin Leighty
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The public this week will get its first chance to learn more — and comment — about proposals to develop the Kansas Coliseum and the adjacent RV park in Wichita, Kan.

On Tuesday, the three groups hoping to transform the aging complex will make their pitches to Sedgwick County commissioners, hoping to convince each board member that their plan is the best one, according to The Wichita Eagle.

Hartman Arena wants to keep the Coliseum complex — popular for its livestock events, horse shows and flea markets — largely the same.

Heritage Development Group wants to turn the 200-acre site into the Saddle Rock Rodeo Resort.

North American Management-Kansas sees the Coliseum as an entertainment and retail venue, hoping to bring in three hotels and 250,000 square feet of stores and restaurants.

The public may listen to Hartman, Heritage and North American’s presentations but won’t be able to comment or ask questions.

Instead, the county has set up an online public forum that will be accessible after the final presentation.

Commissioners will not vote on a proposal Tuesday. The county has not yet scheduled a date for a vote.

“I want to give the public plenty of time and input on this,” said Commissioner Kelly Parks.

Asked what he’ll be looking for Tuesday, Parks said: “Something different than what we’ve seen before. Something that really jumps out at us.”

The future of the Kansas Coliseum, off of I-135 near 85th Street North, has been uncertain since voters approved a sales tax for Intrust Bank Arena, which opens next year.

The complex includes Britt Brown Arena, where events such as concerts, tractor pulls and hockey games have taken place, and pavilions where livestock and horse shows are held.